News

• Karmen Alletia Schooly was sentenced Monday, Feb. 9, 2026 in Oakland County Circuit Court following her conviction for felony animal neglect involving 25 or more animals in December.
• Schooly was sentenced to 92 days in jail, with credit for time served, and two years of probation with several conditions.
• Her conviction stems from the September 2024 rescue of 37 dogs and cats from severe, unsanitary conditions at a Pontiac home.  

Pontiac, Mich. – Karmen Alletia Schooly of Pontiac was sentenced to 92 days in jail with credit for time served and two years of probation by Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Daniel P. O’Brien on Monday, Feb. 9, 2026. The judge also ordered Schooly not to own or care for any animals, requiring her to surrender any pets she currently owns to the Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center. 

A jury found her guilty of felony animal neglect involving 25 or more animals in December. 

“Every person has an obligation to treat animals in their care humanely," said Oakland County Prosecutor Karen D. McDonald. "Karmen Schooly fell well short of that standard and this sentence holds her accountable.” 

The court also ordered Schooly to enroll in an animal cruelty prevention and education course and an impulse control program, to undergo mental health and substance use assessments and follow any treatment recommendations. Restitution will be determined at a future hearing. 

“This sentencing reinforces that animal neglect carries real consequences,” said Bob Gatt, manager of the Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center. “Our team removed these animals from dangerous conditions and gave them the care and protection they deserved.” 

Schooly was convicted on Dec. 17, 2025, of failure to provide adequate care to 25 or more animals, a third-degree felony under Michigan law (MCL 750.50(4)(e)), punishable by up to seven years in prison. Following the verdict, the court revoked her bond and ordered her held in the Oakland County Jail pending sentencing. 

On Sept. 27, 2024, Oakland County Animal Control officers responded to a welfare check at a residence in the 900 block of Argyle Street in Pontiac following a referral from Pontiac code enforcement officers. Upon arrival, officers and Oakland County Sheriff’s deputies discovered numerous animals living in conditions that required immediate removal. 

A total of 37 animals - 29 dogs and eight cats - were transported to the Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center, where they received veterinary evaluation and treatment. Due to the severity of its condition, one cat was humanely euthanized. The remaining animals were treated, bathed and cared for by shelter staff. 

During the investigation, officers identified Schooly as the homeowner and caretaker of the animals and the president of Tri-County Dog Rescue. She relinquished ownership of the animals, which were placed under the care of the Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center and later made available for adoption. Schooly had retained ownership of four dogs, which remained at the shelter pending final court disposition. Following sentencing, they will be made available for adoption. 

For more information about the Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center or to adopt a pet, visit OakGov.com/PetAdoption.